Odds and Ends: Taylor, Lowry, Wang

-While scanning the Top 100 MLB Prospects, as ranked by ESPN’s Keith Law, an uneasy feeling came over me when I found #24. The kid is built like a statue, going 6’6″and 250 pounds, and is now a member of the Oakland A’s. Michael Taylor is his name, and I have a funny feeling he will come back to haunt us as one of those Ryne Sandberg-types.

Guys that are 6’6″ with great instincts, a power bat, defensive skill, and a Stanford background don’t grow on trees. Maybe I’m at my own party on this one, but I almost wanted to see him stay more than Domonic Brown. Taylor was interviewed at a Phillies game during the summer and just impressed me with his camera presence and demeanor. Sometimes upside is overvalued, not that I don’t think Brown will be a stud, because he clearly will, as Amanda Orr pointed out. However, I think the Oakland A’s are in for a treat of a player with Michael Taylor. Now, playing in their ballpark is another story.

-The Phillies will watch former San Francisco Giant Noah Lowry pitch on Tuesday as he continues his comeback from a rare nerve disorder. He’s now 29-years-old and has missed the past two seasons, but I like the idea here. Again, the Phillies are searching for low-risk, high-reward types and Lowry certainly fits that bill.

Before his lengthy setback, Lowry had two above-average seasons with a below-average tossed in. In 2007, he made 26 starts, going 14-6 with an ERA of 3.92. He won’t strike guys out (87/87, BB/K) but that could have been because of the arm trouble. He struck out 172 in 2005. The only problem is the park factor. His .226 BAA on fly balls would likely make a jump due to the fact that he played in spacious AT&T Park for his entire career. If he still has it, and can be ready by opening day, I would take a chance on a guy like Lowry.

-Chien Ming Wang I’m not so sure about. Six teams are reportedly interested in the former Yankee, and Scott Lauber said earlier in the week that while the Phillies were interested, they weren’t sure how interested because of his injury. He won’t be back at the start of the season, which renders him semi-useless as Jamie Moyer is in the same position. They need someone who can step in right away.